What's new in this release

Cortana, the most personal digital assistant,
is now available also in the UK and China. New features for Cortana
include improved natural language, car kit integration for contacts
using Bluetooth, snooze reminders, and calendar improvements. Cortana
even does character impersonations upon request.

Organise and further personalise your
start screen easily. Group apps into a folder on the start screen,
rename the folder, and rearrange tiles inside the folder for greater
personalisation.

Updates to the Lumia Storyteller and
Lumia Selfie apps. Available from Store.

Connect and browse even faster with
improved download speeds on mobile websites.

Install phone updates more easily by
scheduling them for a time that works best for you.

Additional information

Tips for a successful software update

Great stuff comes in big packages! Before starting, we recommend that you make enough space on your phone. You need to have up to 1.5GB (depending on phone model) free phone memory to ensure that the software update goes smoothly. To check the available free space, go to Settings > storage check. You can find more detailed instructions on how to clear up space on your phone from the Software update FAQs-section.

There can be several updates available for your phone, so you may need to repeat the process a few times to get to the latest version. Follow all the update prompts so that you don’t miss out on any of the latest goodies. To see your current software version, go to Settings > extras + info.

How to update software

Your phone supports wireless Over the Air (OTA) updates and there is no need for cables or a computer; you can simply download and install the update using your phone. Also, your settings, apps, photos, and text messages remain safe and sound. By keeping your phone software updated you can get fresh new features and improvements, and resolve many issues.

Step 1. Your phone notifies you when an update is available for you. You can also check for updates by going to Settings > PhoneUpdate and tapping Check for updates.

Tip! Use a Wi-Fi network to download the update and avoid mobile data transmission costs. Before starting the update, connect to a charger or make sure your phone has enough battery power (at least 50%). You might also need to make enough space on your phone for the update (up to 1.5 GB, depending on the phone model). To check for available free space, go to Settings > storage sense (storage check).

Step 2. To view and to install the updates, tap the notification message, and follow the instructions shown on your phone. You can install the update immediately, or postpone the update to a more convenient time.

Step 3. The update should take around 15-30 minutes, but a major update could take up to 2 hours to complete depending on your phone model. You are not able to use your phone during the update installation. Follow all the update prompts, and do not worry if your phone restarts several times during the process, that is completely normal.

Additional app updates from the Store could be needed to fully enable new features for your phone. You will get the app update notification on the Store app shortly after the software update.

From Lumia Denim update onwards, you can install phone updates more easily by scheduling them for a time that works best for you. You can find the Preferred install time option from Settings > Phone Update. Some of the phones now also support downloading updates to a memory card. For more information, see the Software Update FAQs section.

Documents and files

Nokia Photo Transfer for Mac is a free app that connects your Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 with your Mac OS computer, and helps you transfer photos and videos between the two. The app is only available in English.